Head of finance and accounting

JOB DESCRIPTION Job Title: Head – Accounts & Finance (for Southern Manufacturing Operations) Position Level – General Manager or Sr. General Manager.Location: Chennai with frequent travels to AP Plant (At least 10 days a month)Department: Finance & AccountsReports to: Administratively & Functional Reporting to CFO Job Overview:We are seeking an experienced and result oriented Head – Accounts & Finance to manage and oversee all financial & STORES operations at our southern India manufacturing plants. This role will be responsible for ensuring the accuracy of financial records, adherence to accounting standards, and optimization of financial performance, store & material management. He will collaborate closely with the Plant Head and cross-functional teams to provide financial insights, Inventory Management, Material Handling and support decision-making, contributing to the plant’s operational and financial goals. The role requires strong experience in SAP environments for financial reporting and data management.Key Responsibilities:Internal Controls and Compliance:Ensure compliance with local tax laws, corporate policies, and accounting standards.Develop, implement, and monitor internal controls to safeguard company assets and ensure accurate financial reporting.Manage the annual audit process and collaborate with external auditors.Financial Reporting and Analysis:Prepare and present monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements, ensuring compliance with company policies and accounting standards.Provide detailed analysis of plant performance, profitability, cost control, and financial forecasting.Ensure timely and accurate closure of monthly financial accounts, working closely with the Plant Head and other departments.Leverage SAP for financial reporting, analysis, and ensuring data integrity and consistency.Budgeting and Forecasting:Lead the preparation of the plant’s annual budget, ensuring alignment with corporate financial goals and operational needs.Regularly review financial performance against budget and take corrective actions as required.Assist the CFO in long-term financial planning and forecasting for the plant.Cost Control and Optimization:Identify areas for cost reduction and efficiency improvements within the plant.Monitor production costs, material usage, and overheads to ensure financial control.Utilize SAP to track costs, monitor financial performance, and report results.Cash Flow Management:Monitor and manage the plant’s cash flow, working capital, and liquidity.Oversee accounts payable, receivable, and inventory management, using SAP tools to optimize financial efficiency.Team Management and Development:Supervise and mentor the finance team at the plant, providing guidance, training, and development opportunities.Conduct performance reviews and set goals for the team in alignment with plant objectives.Strategic Financial Insights:Provide actionable financial insights to the Plant Head and senior management to support key business decisions.Collaborate with cross-functional teams (Operations, HR, Supply Chain, etc.) to drive financial improvements and plant-level performance.STORES Management:Oversee the entire inventory management process, ensuring the accurate and timely receipt, storage, and distribution of materials.Implement strategies to maintain an optimal inventory level to prevent overstocking or stockouts.Conduct regular stock audits and physical inventory checks to ensure accuracy and minimize discrepancies.Develop and maintain an effective inventory tracking system.Material Handling: Collaborate with the procurement team to ensure timely procurement of materials and supplies needed for operations.Ensure proper storage of materials to prevent damage, deterioration, or loss.Establish and manage relationships with suppliers and vendors to ensure the availability of materials at competitive prices.Qualifications:Education:Bachelor’s degree in accounting, Finance, or a related field (required).Professional accounting qualification Chartered Accountant, CMA as an add on will be good.Experience:Minimum of 12-15 years of experience in finance and accounting, with at least 5 years in a Head Accounts & Finance role within a manufacturing set up.Hands-on experience in budgeting, forecasting, financial reporting, cost management, and internal controls.Exposure to SAP environment for financial data management, reporting, and analysis is required.Skills & Competencies:Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.Deep knowledge of accounting standards and regulations (Indian GAAP, IFRS).Experience with SAP and ERP systems for financial reporting and analysis.Excellent communication skills, capable of conveying complex financial information to non-financial stakeholders.Proven leadership skills with the ability to manage and develop teams.Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.Personal Attributes:High attention to detail, ensuring accuracy and compliance in all financial processes.Results-driven with a proactive approach to identifying and solving financial challenges.Strong interpersonal and collaboration skills to work effectively across teams.Leadership qualities that foster team development, performance, and alignment with organizational goals.Essential Requirement:The role is based at our manufacturing plant in Chennai with frequent visit & stay at our AP Plants, requiring regular interaction with the Plant Head and other departments.Travel: Occasional travel to corporate headquarters & very frequent travel to AP plant location will be required.Compensation: Competitive salary with benefits.Age: 40-45 yearsInterested?Share your CV along with below details (Mandatory) at CTCExpected CTCTotal ExperieceCA Qualified (Yes/No)SAP ExposureManufecturing Experience in YearsNotice PeriodBuyout Option Available (Yes/No)